All three of the works here are world
premiere recordings. The concerto
by Aaron Jay Kernis is heard in an
incredibly powerful live performance,
the taxing violin part superbly
executed. The Chaconne begins with an
unashamedly romantic gesture, going
on to embrace a wide range of emotions
including some real Innigkeit. Premiered
by these forces in Seattle in March
2017, the piece includes an intensely
lyrical Ballad and a hugely virtuoso
finale (‘Toccatini’). Both performance
and recording are beyond criticism.

James Newton Howard is best
known as a writer of music for film. His
concerto is lyrical; there is almost an
English twinge to the first movement.
The Andante semplice is the work’s
emotional heart (the film origins
clear) while the finale confirms Ehnes’
virtuosity. Finally, Bramwell Tovey’s
brief Stream of Limelight, the only non-orchestral piece, an engaging soliloquy
in the spotlight. Top-rank recording
throughout.